Eye tests are important for everyone regardless of age and provide vital information for diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions.
Head optometrist conducting a childs eye test
Are There Different Ways to Test Your Eye Sight?
Eye tests are important for everyone regardless of age and provide vital information for diagnosing and managing a wide range of eye conditions.
If you struggle with focusing on your computer screen when working or if your child is experiencing vision-related learning issues, it may be time to schedule an eye test.
Eye tests are an easy, non-invasive way to reveal a wealth of information about your vision and eye health. In this guide, I’ll cover why eye tests are one of the most important ways to care for your vision and the different types of eye tests optometrists use.
What Is Measured in an Eye Test?
Eye tests gather vital information that can detect eye conditions and track changes in the eye to manage vision issues.
Eye tests check visual acuity and overall eye health to detect structural abnormalities in the eye and determine how well your eyes work together. We assess your ability to focus, see colours, coordinate your eyes, and see depth.
Since the eye is the only area of the body where blood vessels are not obstructed by other tissue, eye exams may also reveal other health conditions.
Our eye tests check visual acuity, ocular motility, refraction, and colour vision to measure eye health and screen for conditions, such as:
- Astigmatism
- Hyperopia
- Mytopia
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Cataracts
You May Also Like: 10 Reasons Why You Need to Have Your Eyes Checked
Different Types of Eye Tests
At E Eye Place we offer a range of different eye tests and eye exams, including:
- OCT Eye Test
- Ultra-Wide Eye Test
- Axial Length Eye Test
- Corneal Topography
- Paediatric Eye Test
Here, I’ll explain what each of these eye tests means and what we use them for.
OCT Eye Test
Optical Coherence Tomography is a scan that reveals 3D imagery of the eye’s internal structures. An OCT eye test can detect structural damage before you even notice it is there.
Recently, I had a patient come in for her standard eye exam and she reported no vision concerns. However, her OCT eye test revealed structural damage that she hadn’t noticed yet.
This is a great example of why regular eye testing is so crucial for maintaining your best eye health.
An OCT eye test is a non-invasive way to diagnose and monitor several eye conditions, including:
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal disorders
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Optic nerve disorders
OCT Eye Test quick facts:
- Helps detect structural damage
- Important for ensuring the comfortable fit of contact lenses
- Usually performed on the cornea or retina
- Non-invasive and painless
- Minimal, temporary side effects (you may notice slightly blurry vision for 2 to 36 hours after testing or odd colours in your vision)
- Only takes a few minutes and you will get the results fast
Ultra-Wide Eye Test (UWF)
The retina is the lining at the back of your eyes. Because of its placement, it can be difficult to capture accurate images of the retina. Typical scans could only reveal 10 to 45% of the retina but an ultra-wide eye test can capture more than 80%.
By capturing a high-resolution image of a large portion of the retina, an ultra-wide eye test is a key tool for accurately assessing and monitoring:
- Retinal changes
- Retinal tears or detachments
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal moles
An ultra-wide eye test can even detect blood vessel abnormalities that may indicate signs of other health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes
Axial Length Eye Test
Axial length is the distance from the front of the eye (cornea) to the back of the eye (retina). An axial length eye test is crucial for myopia management
An axial length eye test can assess:
- How fast myopia is progressing
- Possible causes behind the elongation between the front and back of the eye
- A patient’s risk of developing myopia in the future
- How well the eye focuses light
Regular axial length eye testing is especially important for children with nearsightedness. Monitoring axial length reveals how fast myopia is progressing and is key for determining a management plan.
Corneal Topography
The cornea is the clear, slightly curved, outer surface of the eye. Corneal topography is a noninvasive eye test that uses a rotating camera to capture a 360-degree image of the cornea.
Corneal topography is a fast and painless way to generate colour-coded images of the cornea.
By mapping the curves and surface of the cornea, a variety of eye conditions can be diagnosed and monitored.
Corneal topography is crucial for planning eye surgery, such as corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, or refractive surgery.
Corneal topography is also a vital tool for fitting contact lenses. Since contact lenses sit directly on the eye’s surface, it is imperative to fit the lenses to the exact curvature of the cornea.
Learn More: Glasses Vs. Contacts: Which Should You Choose?
Pediatric Eye Testing
One of my biggest recommendations for parents is to schedule regular paediatric eye tests for their children. Even if both parents have no vision issues, regular paediatric eye tests are crucial for detecting childhood vision problems early.
Childhood eye testing is especially important if there is a family history of vision problems.
It is recommended to schedule an eye test for your child starting at 6 months of age and every 2 years after.
At E Eye Place, we look for vision problems early, so they can be treated sooner.
I create an atmosphere that is welcoming and easy-going for children so they always feel comfortable at eye testing appointments.
Learn More: 10 Signs You Need to Have Your Child’s Eyesight Checked
How Do I Know Which Eye Test I Need?
The best way to know which eye test you need is with a consultation with an optometrist. When I meet with patients, I assess any known eye conditions, medical history, family health history, and age to determine the appropriate eye testing.
At E Eye Place, we tailor eye testing to your specific needs to ensure we help you achieve your clearest vision and healthiest eyes possible.
To learn more about each eye test we offer at E Eye Place and pricing for each eye test, see our age here: Eye Tests Perth.
How Often Should I Get an Eye Test?
Regular eye testing is an important way to monitor any eye changes that have occurred since your last evaluation.
If you do not have existing eye problems, here are our recommendations for eye testing:
- Every 2 years for children
- At least three eye tests between the ages of 20-39
- Once every 2 to 3 years between ages 40 to 64
- Once a year for those aged 65+
- Every year for contact lens wearers
- Every year if you have a family history of vision problems
- Every year for individuals with diabetes
Book Your Perth Eye Test Today
Whether a patient is 2 or 80, eye testing is crucial for healthy eyes and good vision. At our full service WA eye clinics, our team is committed to being your pathway to better vision.
Book your eye test at our Coogee or Shelley clinics today and our optometrist will check your eyes and talk you through the results.
Written by
Stephanie Yeo
Owner and senior clinical optometrist. In optometry since 2003, with particular interests in children's vision and community eye care.
